Aug. 8, 2015 – Readings in Recovery: Today’s Gift from Hazelden

Fame is what you have taken. Character is what you give. When to this truth you waken, then you begin to live.
— Bayard Taylor

Long-timers continually tell newcomers to strive to build a strong character for use in facing the world’s realities. Sometimes they leave the impression that character is what others think about us. But the opinion others have about us is not important. Character is what we are, not what others think we are.

We are not born with character. It is developed through patience and much humility. It is what we are in the dark. Our character is revealed by an outer show of an inner glow. It is our reserve force for living. It is more useful than talent and shows itself best during our contact with others.

Today, I’ll remember my character can be a force that respects truth, develops will and spirit, accents positive action, and makes all of these assets evident to other people.